LEGAL

Social Cohesion

The cooperation of individuals to survive and thrive.

Legal Laws

Laws that are enforced by the legal system.

Non Legal Laws

Group or individual made rules that are not enforced by the legal system.

Participation

The quality where all individuals engaging with the justice system are treated the same way.

Fairness

The ability for all to participate in an open and impartial legal system process.

Formal Equality

Giving everyone the same amount of resources.

Substantive Equality

Treating people differently to achieve the same result.

Statutory Interpretation

Judges' interpretation of the law.

Separation of Powers

The division of responsibilities among the parliament, government, and courts.

Common Law

Judge-made laws established in court.

Doctrine of Precedent

The principle that lower courts must follow decisions made by higher courts.

Crime

An act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or punishable by law.

Civil Law

A body of law that governs private rights and remedies.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof required in criminal cases.

Balance of Probabilities

The standard of proof required in civil cases.

Mens Rea

The mental state or intent to commit a crime.

Actus Reus

The physical act of committing a crime.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to prove one's assertion in a legal case.

Indictable Offence

Serious crimes which are typically heard in higher courts.

Summary Offence

Minor crimes that are generally heard in magistrate courts.

Plea Negotiation

Discussions between prosecution and the accused to resolve a case before trial.

Right to Silence

The legal right to refuse to answer questions or provide information.

Access to Justice

The ability for individuals to obtain legal representation and engage with the legal process.

General Defences to Crime

Justifications for breaking the law, such as self-defense or duress.

Accessory to a Crime

A person who assists another in committing a crime.

Judicial Independence

The principle that the judiciary should be independent from the executive and legislative branches.

Strict Liability

Legal responsibility for a harmful act without the need to prove intent.

Sanction

A penalty imposed for breaking the law.

Jury,

A group of people sworn to render a verdict in a legal case.

Legal Representation

The act of having a lawyer or attorney represent you in legal matters.

Victorian Court Hierarchy

The system of courts in Victoria, including the High Court, Supreme Court, County Court, and Magistrate Court.

Specialist Courts

Courts that deal with specific types of cases or populations, like Koori Court or Children's Court.

Community Legal Centers (CLCs)

Organizations providing free legal advice and assistance.

Victim Impact Statement

A statement detailing the impact of a crime on the victim.

Right to Vote

The legal right of citizens to participate in elections.

Human Rights

Fundamental rights entitled to all individuals, such as the right to fair trials and no discrimination.

Statute Law

Laws made by parliament.

Rights of Individuals

Entitlements that individuals have under the law.

Voting is Mandatory

The requirement for eligible citizens to participate in elections.

Crime Facts Act 1958

Legislation related to crime statistics and reporting.

Summary Offences Act 1966

Legislation governing summary offenses in Victoria.

Principal Offender

The person who commits the criminal act.

Perjury

The act of lying under oath.

Criminal Intent

The state of mind of a person who intends to commit a crime.

Legal System

The structured framework for creating, interpreting, and enforcing laws.

Ratio Decidendi

The legal principle or rule that is the basis for a court's decision.

Adverse Publicity Order

An order requiring a company to disclose the outcome of a criminal case.